Controlling opioid activity using light and chemicals
Optimizing chemical- and light-dependent protein switches for controlling opioid peptide activity with temporal control
['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11071296
This study is looking at ways to improve special proteins that can help control how opioids work in the brain, which could lead to better pain relief and safer treatments for addiction.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11071296 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how to optimize protein switches that can control the activity of opioid peptides, which are important for pain relief and addiction management. By using advanced techniques like chemogenetics and optogenetics, the study aims to manipulate specific neural circuits with high precision. This approach allows researchers to explore the effects of opioids on pain and addiction in various experimental settings, potentially leading to safer pain management strategies and new treatments for addiction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from pain management issues or opioid addiction.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have issues related to pain or opioid use may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for pain and opioid addiction.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research using chemogenetics and optogenetics has shown promising results in manipulating neural circuits, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR — ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VAZQUEZ-RIVERA, LUIS ALONSO — UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- Study coordinator: VAZQUEZ-RIVERA, LUIS ALONSO
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: addictive disorder